- What’s the best thing to do on a day off?
On my days off, I just enjoy the time I get to spend with my little family. Weekdays go by in a flash – even when the day starts early and does not end until 11pm! The to do list never ends! Over the years I treasure staying at home so much more and enjoying the short precious family time we have. Saturdays (our favorite day) turns into Netflix (or Disney) marathons, quick and easy lunches, and early family dinners.
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Tell us about your family, including pets!
My little family includes my fiancé of 10 years, Taylor, our son, Camden, who is 7 years old, and our 9 month old baby, Haven. We prayed for her so many years and she was our blessing in 2021! We also have two dogs, Maya bear (yes we have a dog named bear), and Lia. They are the sweetest who adore the kids!
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Who’s your personal hero?
I have two very special people who I view as my heroes.
The first is my dad. His family had experienced several financial hardship and these tough life lessons helped shape his financial views. He got his first job at a very young age delivering the newspaper – those were very different times. He continued to work hard throughout his teens and adult life being a great role model of financial stability. Looking back, I appreciate being shielded from the worries of life in my childhood.
My second is my mom. She showed me the importance of “family first”. She was able to be a homemaker and focused all of her time and energy on my siblings and I. At the time I did not understand all the sacrifices a mother makes until I became a mom myself. She was always there for me and I will forever be grateful for her.
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What’s your go to music in the car?
I usually have country music playing – especially when I have my kids in the car. My son LOVES country music and reminds me that he is “raised on country”. But every now and then, I will take it back and play some Akon and Ashanti (remember them)?
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What do you love about working at Hawaii First?
I love our working environment! Walking in to any of our branches, you feel a sense of “home”. Our President, Laura, had personally decorated each office and you can tell! The atmosphere has a calming nature even on the most hectic days.
Our team is another! I have the most understanding and patient management team. We understand the “we’re one team” moto and do what we can to help each other. This makes all the difference!
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What are 3 items on your bucket list?
The first hope is to get married! My fiancé and I have been together for 11 years (this year) and postponed our wedding plans three times due to the pandemic. We started planning in 2019 with our original wedding date of 06/01/2020 – my grandparents wedding anniversary. The pandemic hit and we postponed to 2021. With the uncertainty of things, we cancelled for now.
My second dream is to travel throughout Europe. I would love to get on a train (like you see in the movies) and visit France, Italy, England, Ireland, and Portugal. Hoping this is possible one day – I will need to start this savings fund now!
Last but not least, is to obtain my degree. After high school, was a Chancellor Scholar at the University of Hawaii at Hilo where I received a four year scholarship. My goals had shifted in my early 20’s and I made the decision to no longer work towards my Business Administration degree. Now, in my late 30’s, my hopes and goals has shifted again and I am hoping to attend college in the near future.
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What’s your “superpower” (what you’re best at or hidden talent)?
Does female intuition count? I have always said, “women are magical creatures”. I feel we have this intuition that is unexplainable and being a mom, that has amplified. I recall a moment, in the middle of the night, where I sat up from a deep sleep to grab my son’s leg who was falling off the bed. If that’s not intuition, I don’t know what is!
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First concert you ever attended?
The first concert I ever attended was watching Gregory Issacs and Yellowman! Yes, reggae legend Gregory Isaacs! I was 16 and did not know what to expect. It was so exciting, I loved reggae ever since.